Since, everyone is confused by the interview, maybe to make the best of it, a better question would be, why give the interview? why now?

With the international image of Sri Lanka regarding human rights, impunity, and the like, with the LTTE already banned everywhere, with Australia queued up, and with enough space to prosecute the military solution for the moment, what was the point ?

The overall tone, was by process of elimination, somewhat pro-LTTE, pro-Tamil, by the nature of the somewhat hard hitting questions, and lack of clear lucid well articulated answers.

It just seems, the government’s international image is already ailing, and strategically, there is nothing to gain by risking giving in the international sphere, anything less than a good interview, with strong points, clearly articulated concepts, etc.

I am as confused with the interview, as i am with the strategy, or lack there of, behind it.

Of the many comments that have come in in response to your question, I’ve not been able to publish any. I kindly request all those who comment in response to this article, or in general on Groundviews, to adhere to the guidelines posted here – http://www.groundviews.org/submission-guidelines

That said, the general line of argument amongst those who have responded seems to be that no one has a clue as to what the President is talking about. Some even go as far to ague that the President himself does not know what he is talking about either.

So I guess you are not the only one confused.

Best,

Sanjana